Frontier Airlines May Hang a 'For Sale' Sign

Frontier Airlines, which is owned by Republic Airways Holdings, may go up on the auction block. The company is hiring advisors to guide them in a possible sale of the Indianapolis-based low cost carrier.

Frontier Expected to Show a Profit Next Year

According to Republic CEO Brian Bedford, Frontier should be profitable in 2012, which apparently means the time has come, as the Denver Business Journal put it, “to separate [Republic’s] traditional business model, flying regional jets under separate names for legacy carriers, from Frontier.”

Frontier’s Earlier Merger with Midwest

Frontier, which has a large hub (and popular following) in Denver, went into bankruptcy and then was acquired by Republic just two years ago. It was then merged with the equally popular Midwest Airlines (which Republic also bought in 2009). The Midwest name was dropped, though its memory lives on in its signature fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies that are still served on most Frontier flights.

At the moment, it’s not clear what airlines or other companies might be open to purchasing Frontier. Back in 2009, Southwest indicated some interest, but it has since acquired AirTran and integration with that low cost carrier is well underway.